First and foremost:

#1: Model the behavior you want from the team

Your team is watching you; and no team can rise higher than the abilities of its leader. Don't be a hypocrite -- lead by example. If you want your team to treat each other with high levels of trust and respect -- then trust and respect your team. If you want extra effort from your team, make sure you give extra effort.

#2: Be clear about your goals

Your team cannot accomplish what they do not understand. More important, it's hard to get them even to agree with those goals if they don't know what they are. Make sure your team knows what you are expecting of them.

#3: Correct in private and Praise in public

If personal issues of a team member are becoming a problem, address them with the person in private. Don't embarrass the person by bringing it up in public. Such issues include attendance and punctuality, dress, and general professionalism.

When someone does something right, you probably are happy and want that person to continue doing it. You also probably want to make that person look good in front of the others, and for the others to be motivated to improve their own performance. For those reasons, recognize good work in public, rather than in private.

#4: Avoid mixed messages

If you tell your staff that they can talk to you about anything that's on their mind, but when they do, they experience only negative feedback and criticism, it's a mixed message. The implication is they can talk to you, and they will be listened to, guided, encouraged; even if they don't like your answer. Be sure even in difficult situations, you are really listening to your staff and looking at a situation from their perspective.

#5: Get feedback from the team members

Unless you hear from your team members, you may have little or no idea of how effective or clear you are. Few of us enjoy hearing bad news or criticism, but if there's a problem in what we're doing, it's important that we hear it.   

Looking for more tips, tools and support in building your leadership skills?

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Leadership training opportunities are offered in many ways to meet your organization's specific needs and budget. Take a look at our different training approaches, including these On-Demand traning courses:

• Supervisor 101
• Bringing Out the Best in You and Others
• Managing Staff in Stressful Times: Celebrations and Challenges of Leading Multiple Generations
• Dealing With Difficult People
• Creating a Culture of Customer Service Excellence
• The Healthy Leader: Learning to Lead Yourself